Brain specialist waits hit a year for thousands of NHS patients despite urgent referrals

Patients requiring urgent brain specialist appointments through the NHS are enduring waits exceeding twelve months, according to analysis of the latest figures.

More than 2,100 individuals referred urgently for neurology consultations over a year ago remain without appointments, facing the prospect of their conditions worsening as they wait in the queue.

The total NHS waiting list has climbed for a second successive month, reaching 7.28 million cases. This includes an additional 1,000 neurology patients, dealing a significant blow to Labour's pledges on reducing backlogs.

Urgent referrals are designed to expedite treatment, yet numerous patients have reported substantial delays in receiving assessments, diagnoses and care.

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Neurology ranks among the most strained specialities within the health service, with patient demand consistently exceeding available capacity.

Stuart Andrew, the shadow health secretary, has demanded answers from the Government over the mounting crisis.

"It is incredibly important that those who need urgent neurology care receive it on time. Delays cause avoidable harm to patients, some of it irreversible, and create long-term costs for the health service," he said.

Mr Andrew pressed Labour to clarify its strategy for addressing the growing backlog.

"Labour must explain how they will ensure waiting times are cut and patients get the help they need promptly," he added.

The Conservative frontbencher's intervention highlights the political pressure facing ministers as the Government struggles to meet its own targets. Whilst Labour declared success on its pledge for 65 per cent of patients to be seen within 18 weeks by March, only 60.2 per cent of neurology patients achieved this standard.

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Georgina Carr, chief executive of the Neurological Alliance, which represents more than 100 specialist organisations, warned that "too many are waiting months for assessment, diagnosis and treatment, often while their condition deteriorates".

The letter states that "families are being pushed to breaking point by delayed diagnosis and treatment" and estimates the economic burden at £96 billion.

The signatories are demanding a comprehensive plan outlining service standards, an immediate workforce evaluation, and a census of specialist staff conducted every five years.

Peter Lloyd, policy manager at the MS Society, called for a Modern Service Framework with clear targets for urgent referrals.

A Department of Health spokesman defended the Government's record, pointing to progress in reducing the neurology backlog.

"We are making progress on cutting waiting times, with more than 20,000 fewer people waiting for neurology care than in July 2024, and three in five patients now seen within 18 weeks," the spokesman said.

The Government acknowledged that considerable challenges remain in tackling the crisis.

"But we know there is much more to do, which is why we are investing an extra £6bn to expand diagnostic, elective and urgent care capacity across the NHS," the spokesman added.

Ministers have pledged to deliver millions of additional appointments, scans and operations to reduce waiting lists and ensure patients receive treatment more swiftly.

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